1.5 as a fraction

2 min read 16-01-2025

1.5 is a decimal number representing one and a half. Understanding how to convert decimals to fractions is a fundamental math skill. This guide will show you how to express 1.5 as a fraction, explain the process, and provide some helpful context.

Understanding Decimals and Fractions

Before we dive into converting 1.5, let's quickly review the basics. Decimals and fractions both represent parts of a whole. Decimals use a base-ten system (tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc.), while fractions express parts as a ratio of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

Converting 1.5 to a Fraction: Step-by-Step

Here's how to easily transform 1.5 into its fractional equivalent:

1. Write 1.5 as a fraction with a denominator of 1:

This is our starting point. Any whole number can be written as a fraction over 1. So, 1.5 becomes 1.5/1.

2. Eliminate the decimal point:

To remove the decimal, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 10 (since there's one digit after the decimal point). This gives us (1.5 x 10) / (1 x 10) = 15/10.

3. Simplify the fraction:

15/10 is not in its simplest form. Both the numerator and denominator are divisible by 5. Dividing both by 5 gives us 3/2.

Therefore, 1.5 as a fraction is 3/2.

Why is 3/2 the same as 1.5?

The fraction 3/2 represents three halves. If you divide 3 by 2, you get 1.5. This demonstrates the equivalence of the fraction and the decimal.

1.5 as a Mixed Number

While 3/2 is perfectly acceptable, it's also common to express this improper fraction (where the numerator is larger than the denominator) as a mixed number. A mixed number combines a whole number and a proper fraction.

To convert 3/2 to a mixed number:

Divide the numerator (3) by the denominator (2): 3 ÷ 2 = 1 with a remainder of 1.
The whole number part of the mixed number is the quotient: This is 1.
The fractional part is the remainder over the denominator: This is 1/2.

Therefore, 1.5 as a mixed number is 1 1/2 (one and a half).

Practical Applications

Understanding how to convert decimals to fractions is useful in many areas, including:

Baking and Cooking: Recipes often use fractions for precise measurements.
Construction and Engineering: Accurate measurements are crucial for building and designing.
Finance and Accounting: Working with percentages and proportions requires fraction understanding.

Conclusion

Converting 1.5 to a fraction is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined above, you can confidently express 1.5 as both 3/2 (improper fraction) and 1 1/2 (mixed number). Remember that understanding fractions is a key building block for more advanced mathematical concepts.